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Stratholme was originally divided between the forces of the Scarlet Crusade, led by Grand Crusader Saidan Dathrohan - secretly possessed by the dreadlord Balnazzar - and the Scourge under Baron Rivendare. The two sides were still accessable from either side, resulting in one large instance. This has changed in Cataclysm, as the gate between the Festival Lane and Elders' Square has been permanently shut, resulting in two separate dungeons within the same instance (much like the Scarlet Monastery's four separate wings). The instance portal inside the main entrance, which before Cataclysm was sealed behind a gate, is now open.

Stratholme is divided into two parts: Scarlet Side or "Live Side", which goes from the main entrance into the Scarlet Crusade-controlled citadel, and Scourge Side or "Undead Side", accessed through the Service Entrance to the east of the main gates (which requires a key or Lockpicking 300) to the Scourge slaughterhouse. However, both "sides" are part of the same instance and players can complete both tracks. When using the dungeon finder the end boss, and thus the side of Stratholme your party needs to clear, is determined by the entrance you are ported to. The main gate will lead to the Live Side, while the service entrance will lead to the Undead Side.

Engineers can blast their way through the Service Entrance using Seaforium ([Powerful Seaforium Charge] or better), and blacksmiths a skeleton key ([Arcanite Skeleton Key] or better). However, if you do, remember to take two charges with you, as there are two doors to open.

To get to Aurius Rivendare, the 3 Ash'ari Crystals must be toppled. These Crystals are guarded by 3 of the bosses: Baroness Anastari, Nerub'enkan and Maleki the Pallid. Kill them, and all the trash mobs inside the ziggurats they guard, and the Crystals will be toppled, allowing you entry to the Slaughterhouse where Baron Rivendare waits.

Several spawns removed from Stratholme. This should make for a more enjoyable 5 player experience. Also, you will now be able to make additional attempts at Ramstein and/or Baron Rivendare should your initial attempt fail.

The trapped chests in Stratholme will now show up for Detect Traps and can be disarmed. In addition, the number of creatures that come out of the trapped chests has been reduced.